Tankō Bushi

Tankō Bushi (炭坑節) is a Japanese folk song. Despite the term "fushi/bushi" found in its name, the rhythm is in swung, ondo style. It is a song about coal mining, and it refers to old Miike Mine in Kyūshū (Tagawa City). It is a common song used in Bon dances during the Bon Festival, and the dance that accompanies it depicts actions in mines such as shoveling coal, throwing a bag of coal over the shoulders, wiping sweat from the brow or pushing a cart of coal.

The Tankō Bushi originated at Miike Mine, Kyushu, Japan.

Excerpt from Tankō Bushi

Japanese: Tsuki ga deta deta Tsuki ga deta, a yoi yoi Miike Tankō no ue ni deta Anmari entotsu ga takai no de Sazoya otsukisan kemutakaro Sa no yoi yoi

Rough English translation: The moon, has come out, Oh, the moon is out, heave ho (kakegoe) Over Miike Coal Mine has the moon come out. The chimney is so high, I wonder if the moon chokes on the smoke... Heave Ho!

Modern arrangements of Tankō Bushi replace the lyric "Miike Tankō" with "uchi no oyama," which in traditional mining dialect means "our coal mine" or "our coal pit," as Miike Mine is no longer in service, and the song is played at Bon dances outside of Kyūshū.

History

The song was recorded in Japan in 1932.[1] A popular version is the commercial recording featuring Suzuki Masao,[2] Victor of Japan, MV-1 (JES-1041).[3] It was originally recorded on 78 RPM as Victor V-41543. The CD version is Victor of Japan MVK-1.[2]

Video

• Tanko Bushi - Jishin Shamidaiko - Public Performance
• Tanko Bushi - Jishin Shamidaiko & Yuukyo Gumi Taiko - Public Performance

References

1. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20081103b2.html
2. Victor of Japan MVK-1
3. The Japanese Bon Dance in Hawaii, Judy Van Zile, Press Pacifica, 1982, p. 52

Completed reference to CD MVK-1.